Yellowjackets

Although sometimes grouped with Spyro Gyra, Yellowjackets are actually one of the most creative regular groups in the "rhythm & jazz" genre. Founded in 1981 as an R&B-oriented band that starred guitarist Robben Ford, the group took a giant step forward when, after Ford's departure, altoist Marc Russo took his place. With original members Russell Ferrante on keyboards and electric bassist Jimmy Haslip, in addition to drummer William Kennedy, the band found its own R&B-ish sound, sometimes playing original compositions that sounded like Joe Zawinul at his most melodic. Starting out on Warner Bros. in the early '80s, Yellowjackets moved to MCA/GRP in 1986, where they released a string of well-received albums. In the '90s, Russo chose to go out on his own, and his replacement, Bob Mintzer (on tenor and bass clarinet), added more jazz credibility to the group's music. They moved back to Warner Bros. in 1995 for several albums before moving to the Heads Up label for the live two-CD set Mint Jam in 2002. Their first studio album in five years, Time Squared, was released in 2003. Three years later, the band celebrated its 25th anniversary as an ensemble with the release of the live album Twenty Five. The studio album Lifecycle followed in 2008. In 2011, the band marked its 30th year with the release of Timeline on Mack Avenue. In 2013, Yellowjackets released A Rise in the Road, their first album to showcase new bassist Felix Pastorius (son of Jaco). Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire also guested on three tracks. Pastorius was replaced by Dane Alderson in 2015. Yellowjackets issued Cohearence in 2016; the album included a notable interpretation of John Coltrane's classic "Giant Steps." ~ Scott Yanow

I discovered the Yellowjackets in the mid eighties . I guess before the Bob arrival . I liked them then . Today , i am in love with the sound , unique in jazz . You can't miss them . Congrats ! to a superb group .

Yes four corners got me inspired to see them in concert at the front row in cleveland ohio. I have a signed copy of the CD jacket. Russo could hit high notes on his sax better than I've heard anybody since. Fantastic sounds from the band. Larry Carlton was a bonus act too.

Yellowjackets , is my favorite group in this genre!!! The group has a very distinct sound, easily recognized above the fray. The rhythm is funky, melodic and always has me tapping my feet, no matter the tempo.

Always a blessing & an honor to listen to the Yellowjackets, bringing always fond memories of their Bottomline, N.Y.C concert engagement which I attended.This marvelous tune goes out to the legendary Miles Davis!

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL YELLOWJACKETS FANS, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PANDORA, UPDATE THE WONDERFUL DISCOGRAPHY OF THIS BAND !!!!!! ALL THEIR ALBUMS FROM THE 90'S ESPECIALLY, the cd where they backed Michael Franks, DRAGONFLY SUMMER (excellent, featuring, PEGGY LEE). Also the cd titled GREENHOUSE & all cd's featuring MARC RUSSO on sax. THANK YOU

Please stop ya'lls whining. The tag says selected discograpghy. If you are a true fan you know their entire catalog.

2 years ago

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seansets

How can you list a YellowJackets discography without including what is their best and arguably one of the all time great albums....Green House!!! Also, Like A River is a Classic. Not to be too critical but I really don't consider the group that included Robben Ford the Yellow Jackets. Until Bob Mintzer, Haslip and Kennedy joined forces there was no Yellow Jackets.

awesome, awesome, awesome....used to see Felix Pastorius play in a band called Way of the Groove in mid 2000s and was recently told he was with the Yellowjackets by Rolando Williman of Uproot Hootenanny & fell in love with all Yellowjacket works immediately.

I have embraced Yellowjackets since their beginning. To experience the group's evolution move full circle. Being able to witness them in concert is just simply amazing to behold. I'm a TRUE lifetime fan of this group.